Mac mini m1 2020 amber light flashing

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Level 1

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Mac mini m1 2020 amber light flashing

Hi everyone, this is a similar question to which others have posted however I want your advice is appreciated. I connected a smart LED to to my Mac mini m1 and after a few hours the to began to lag. Eventually turned itself off as did the Mac mini. The tv has only power but no screen or menu to interact with and the Mac is flashing an amber light. I have tried to update the firmware or restore using Apple Configurator but I get ‘error 21’ and ‘this software cannot be installed on to this device’ messages. I read in forums that Apple certified technicians do not repair logic boards only replace them and was quoted £49 for the mini to be sent away to be repaired. This would only cover the cost of the analysis of the device not the parts to be replaced.

Is it worth getting it repaired?

Mac mini, macOS 12.6

Posted on May 12, 2023 10:47 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

woodmeister50

Level 7

21,075 points

May 13, 2023 5:22 AM in response to Sherrylll

Sherrylll wrote:

....Also when I attempted to update the firmware/restore using Apple Configurator only one of the two usb-c ports would connect two macs together.

When doing a restore or revive on an M1 MacMini, only the USB-C port furthest from the HDMI port will work, which is spelled out in the process in this article:

Revive or restore a Mac with Apple silicon using Apple Configurator - Apple Support

Also, are you positive you are getting the Mini into DFU mode? It is quite tricky getting the timing precisely right and and can seem that it is in DFU mode when it actually isn't which will often give the error 21.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,768 points

May 12, 2023 11:45 AM in response to Sherrylll

Who quoted you £49...? There is no reason to send it away and pay to have it restored.

If you do not have another qualified Mac, the cable and can not revive the 2020 M1 Mac mini yourself,

as per > Revive or restore a Mac with Apple silicon using Apple Configurator - Apple Support

Take it to your local Apple Store or Authorized Apple Service Provider and ask them to revive it for you.

see > Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 3

Sherrylll Author

Level 1

5 points

May 15, 2023 12:32 PM in response to woodmeister50

Yes, after I thoroughly read the article i then was able to get the Mac into DFU mode and is now working. Thank you this has successfully fixed my Mac.

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Answer 4

Sherrylll Author

Level 1

5 points

May 12, 2023 12:04 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks for replying. Yes, I was attempting to revive the firmware myself and was unsuccessful so it took it to my nearest authorised service provider as advised by Apple support. My question was intended to advise me whether the mini is repairable. I suspect a static discharge has damaged the logic board from ‘hot’ connecting a hdmi cable to the smart tv-which also may need a firmware update or logic board replacement.

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Answer 5

Sherrylll Author

Level 1

5 points

May 13, 2023 1:44 AM in response to den.thed

Can one find out themselves if it is a hardware issue or a software issue. For example, if I plug a usb mouse into the Mac the light under the mouse power as does external HDDs. If however I plug into it a keyboard, monitor or track pad there is no power to the peripherals. Even when i switch usb-2, usb-3 or usb-c (using an adapter). Also when I attempted to update the firmware/restore using Apple Configurator only one of the two usb-c ports would connect two macs together.

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Answer 6

den.thed

Level 10

91,768 points

May 12, 2023 12:36 PM in response to Sherrylll

Sherrylll wrote:

Is it worth getting it repaired?

Ah' OK.

I'm not exactly sure where I would place the repair or replace threshold.

Perhaps repair if under £200 and replace if over £250.

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Mac mini m1 2020 amber light flashing

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